Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) M.L Work Plan

Transcription

1 Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) M.L Work Plan Date of Report: May 29, 2016 Date of Next Status Update Report: 1/31/2017 Date of Work Plan Approval: June 7, 2016 Project Completion Date: June 30, 2019 Does this submission include an amendment request? PROJECT TITLE: Forest Management for Mississippi River Drinking Water Protection Project Manager: Melissa Barrick Organization: Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District Mailing Address: 322 Laurel St. Suite 13 City/State/Zip Code: Brainerd, MN Telephone Number: (218) Address: Web Address: Location: Cass, Crow Wing, Todd, and Morrison SWCDs Total ENRTF Project Budget: ENRTF Appropriation: $300,000 Amount Spent: $0 Balance: $300,000 Legal Citation: M.L. 2016, Chp. 186, Sec. 2, Subd. 08f Appropriation Language: $300,000 the second year is from the trust fund to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District to pilot a water protection approach for the watershed through development of forest stewardship plans and targeted riparian forest restoration projects. Any expenditures from this appropriation spent on forest management plans or restoration must be for lands with a long term contract commitment for forest conservation, and the restoration must follow the Board of Water and Soil Resources' native vegetation establishment and enhancement guidelines. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2019, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered. Page 1 of 12 6/7/2016 Subd. 08f

2 I. PROJECT TITLE: Forest Management for Mississippi River Drinking Water Protection II. PROJECT STATEMENT: In order to maintain source water protection, habitat, and riparian forests, the Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) plans to partner across watersheds boundaries (Crow Wing, Long Prairie, Mississippi Brainerd, Platte River) with The Nature Conservancy, MN DNR, Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) Todd, Morrison, and Cass SWCD s to implement 25 best management practices (BMPs) and 50 private forest management plans. This project is based off the most recent Camp Ripley Landscape Stewardship Plan (LSP) which is a forest management and water quality plan for 719,463 acres of area; roughly a 10-mile radius around Camp Ripley which is located north central Minnesota. This unique hydrologic confluence contains 45,000 acres of lakes and streams, 30,825 acres of permanently protected land (BWSR- RIM Easements and MNDNR Fee Acquisition), 40 miles of the Mississippi River, 52,000 acres of State Game Refuge, 13 MN DNR Wildlife Management Areas, County, and City Land. According to the US Forest Service, the Mississippi River - Brainerd and Crow Wing River Major Watersheds are ranked number 5 and 6 respectively out of 81 Minnesota major watersheds for the importance of private forests to provide clean water downstream (Forest, Water and People 2009). Upland forest lands within LSP have declined by 28 percent (200,000 acres). These riparian forest areas are threatened by rapid urban and rural residential development within the City of Baxter, Crow Wing, Cass, Morrison, and Todd Counties (MN 2010 Census Data). For that reason, a protection strategy is needed to connect public and private forest lands. To create that protection strategy we will copy the efforts from the Clean Water Legacy-Tullibee Lakes Watersheds Forest Stewardship Project. The project area will focus on Little Elk, Long Prairie, Crow Wing, Gull and Nokasippi rivers subwatersheds (MN DNR Hydrological Unit Codes 12) to implement private forest management plans on working lands to enroll into Sustainable Forest Incentive Act (SFIA) or 2c tax programs and complete BMPs on private and public land. Prior to implementation, the CWC SWCD will an hire environmental consultant to analyze existing data sets, run water quality models, identify where the greatest habitat and water quality values overlap within targeted minor watersheds, and provide parcel list of targeted landowners. The CWC SWCD will lead and coordinate this project with, the environmental consultant, SWCDs, private forest plan writers, and private and public land owners. The CWC SWCD will follow MN DNR requirements for forest management plans and the buffer initiative, and follow BWSR State Cost-Share Policies for BMPs which includes contracts, site inspection, plans, cost estimates, and SWCD Board approval. This project will build upon existing partnerships such as the Camp Ripley Army Compatible Use Buffer (ACUB) program and MN Forest Resource Council -North Central Landscape Committee. This project will leverage additional Clean Water Fund support through MNDNR Forestry and BWSR and other local private resources. The ENRTF supported pilot project proposal is to work with private landowners and provide them guidance on the best management towards a water protection approach for their forest thru a forest stewardship plan. The project will reimburse landowners for their forest stewardship plan upon signing up for: Sustainable Forest Incentive Act (SFIA) allows annual payments from the MN DOR to enrolled owners of forested land as an incentive to practice long-term sustainable forest management. (8 year minimum enrollment, 4 years to end agreement), A conservation easement thru The Army Compatible Use Buffer Program - a protection/development reduction strategy that ensures Camp Ripley s continued ability to operate and train soldiers year around by reducing encroachment to the Camp. The MN Board of Water and Soil Resources conveys easements through the local SWCDs which restricts further development and allows the landowners to continue current land use and protect forestry units. Funding sources are the Department of Defense, National Guard Bureau and Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. - (perpetual agreement) or Agree to perform a targeted riparian forest conservation project (minimum 10 year life span) The landowner may also enroll into 2c Managed Forest Land Classification. Property owners that own forested land and who actively abide by the prescriptions set forth in a qualifying forest management plan may receive a reduced class rate of 0.65 percent on any eligible land. 2 Page 2 of 12 6/7/2016 Subd. 08f

3 Signing up for one of these three options will guarantee a long-term contract commitment for forest protection. The targeted riparian forest restoration projects must follow the Board of Water and Soil Resources native vegetation establishment and enhancement guidelines. Forestry Conservation Practices created by the NRCS and listed in the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG) will be implemented as the BMP guidelines. III. OVERALL PROJECT STATUS UPDATES: Project Status as of January 31, 2017: Project Status as of July 31, 2017 Project Status as of January 31, 2018 Project Status as of July 31, 2018 Project Status as of January 31, 2019 Overall Project Outcomes and Results: IV. PROJECT ACTIVITIES AND OUTCOMES: ACTIVITY 1: Coordination, project management, analysis, and civic engagement. Description: Collaborate with Todd, Morrison, Cass Counties and SWCD, DNR Forestry, and Camp Ripley Army Compatible Use Buffer Team to assist with data analysis, landowner outreach, and best management practices. The Crow Wing SWCD will hire a private consultant to complete GIS spatial analysis and water quality modeling to develop parcel list for landowner outreach. The Crow Wing SWCD will work partners to complete outreach for both the Forest Management Plans and best management plans. Summary Budget Information for Activity 1: ENRTF Budget: $ 50,000 Amount Spent: $ 0 Balance: $ 50,000 Outcome 1. Convene and coordinate 12 partner meetings (ACUB, CR LSP, DNR Forestry, & SWCDs) to assist with data analysis, landowner outreach, and BMPs. 2. Parcel prioritization: contract with environmental engineer for data analysis and water quality modeling. 3. Targeted landowner solicitation, civic engagement, and project management (minimum of 50 landowners). This will include media resources, maps, letters, phone calls, and public meetings. Completion Date June 1, 2017 December 31, 2017 Project Status as of January 31, 2017: Project Status as of July 31, 2017 Project Status as of January 31, 2018 Project Status as of July 31, 2018 Project Status as of January 31, 2019 Final Report Summary: 3 Page 3 of 12 6/7/2016 Subd. 08f

4 ACTIVITY 2: Complete 50 private forest stewardship plans. Description: The Crow Wing SWCD will partner with certified private forest plan writers to write Forest Stewardship plans on private lands that were identified through the modeling the process. The SWCD staff will also write plans for targeted private parcels. The private landowner will be able to select from a list of DNR approved plan writers. The plans will emphasis the greatest habitat and water quality values and give suggestions to landowners to improve and protect forest habitat. Summary Budget Information for Activity 2: ENRTF Budget: $ 75,000 Amount Spent: $ 0 Balance: $ 75,000 Outcome 1. Private Forest Stewardship Plans (minimum of 25) plans by Crow Wing SWCD Staff (MN DNR Certified). 2. Private Forest Stewardship Plans (minimum of 25) plans by private foresters (MN DNR Certified) Completion Date Project Status as of January 31, 2017: Project Status as of July 31, 2017 Project Status as of January 31, 2018 Project Status as of July 31, 2018 Project Status as of January 31, 2019 Final Report Summary: August 15, 2015 ACTIVITY 3: Implement BMPs on a minimum 25 different public or private protected land. Description: The SWCD will partner with private landowners, Army Compatible Use Buffer Program (ACUB) team, and SWCDs to complete best management practices (BMP s) on permanently protected land easements, private lands, and public lands. Activity 1 will help prioritize where we target and complete BMP s. The BMP s that will be utilized are listed as Forestry Conservation Practices by the NRCS designed to establish or improve long term forestry practices to improve or protect water quality or control soil erosion. The SWCD will focus on 30 eligible forestry conservation components from the NRCS conservation practices: Access Road (560*) Brush Management (314) Clearing and Snagging (326) Conservation Cover (327) Critical Area Plantings (342) Early Successional Habitat (647) Filter Strip (393) Firebreak (394) Forest Stand Improvement (666) Forest Trails and Landings (655) Grade Stabilization (410) [15yrs] Hedgerow Planting (422) Herbaceous Weed Control (315) Herbaceous Wind Barriers (603) Prescribed Burning (338) Restoration and Management of Declining Habitat (643) Riparian Forest Buffer (391)[15yrs] Riparian Herbaceous Cover (390) Stream Bank and Shoreline Protection (580)[20yrs] Stormwater Runoff Control (570)[15yrs] Stream Crossing (678) Stream Habitat Improvement and Management (392) Tree/Shrub Establishment (612)[15yrs] Tree/Shrub Site Preparation (490) Upland Wildlife Habitat Management (645) Vegetative Barrier (601) Water and Sediment Control Basin (638) Woody Residue Treatment (384) Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment (380)[15yrs] Windbreak/Shelter renovation (650)[15yrs] (*) NRCS Conservation Practice Number [Lifespan is 10 years unless noted] 4 Page 4 of 12 6/7/2016 Subd. 08f

5 Summary Budget Information for Activity 3: ENRTF Budget: $ 175,000 Amount Spent: $ 0 Balance: $ 175,000 Outcome Completion Date 1. Riparian buffer erosion control (to include pollinator species mix) Riparian forest enhancement Riparian buffer invasive species mitigation (aquatic near-shore and terrestrial) Project Status as of January 31, 2017: Project Status as of July 31, 2017 Project Status as of January 31, 2018 Project Status as of July 31, 2018 Project Status as of January 31, 2019 Final Report Summary: August 15, 2019 V. DISSEMINATION: Description: The SWCD will create public awareness and involvement in this project, by the use of social and media resources including press releases, Facebook, website postings, and radio and public TV interviews which will notify the public about this project. In addition, the SWCD will utilize the partner networks and newsletters to disseminate information on the project. Lastly, the project results will be posted on the Crow Wing SWCD website: and Facebook Page. Project Status as of January 31, 2017: Project Status as of July 31, 2017 Project Status as of January 31, 2018 Project Status as of July 31, 2018 Project Status as of January 31, 2019 Final Report Summary: August 15, 2019 VI. PROJECT BUDGET SUMMARY: A. ENRTF Budget Overview: Budget Category $ Amount Overview Explanation Personnel: SWCD employees $ 82,500 $52,500/District Tech (25% of pay over 2 years); $30,000/ Manager (12% of pay over 2 years). Professional/Technical/Service Contracts: $ 217,500 $37,500/Consulting foresters at $200 plus $6.50/acre. $165,000/Cost of 25 BMP installations $15,000/Engineer for designed BMP TOTAL ENRTF BUDGET: $300,000 5 Page 5 of 12 6/7/2016 Subd. 08f

6 Explanation of Use of Classified Staff: The Crow Wing SWCD receives a minimal amount of funds (less than $20,000) from tax dollars to run our office. We apply for grants to not only implement BMP s but to also fund our salaries. The funds requested for personnel will be to organize, implement, manage and inspect all aspects of the project. Explanation of Capital Expenditures Greater Than $5,000: N/A Number of Full time Equivalents (FTE) Directly Funded with this ENRTF Appropriation:.7 FTE (Technician) +.75 FTE (Manager) = 1.45 FTE for SWCD staff. Number of Full time Equivalents (FTE) Estimated to Be Funded through Contracts with this ENRTF Appropriation:.5 FTE for 3 years for private consultants. B. Other Funds: $ Amount Proposed Source of Funds Non state Landowner Restoration Contribution The Nature Conservancy shared partner coordination through both the Camp Ripley Landscape Stewardship Plan group and Camp Ripley Army Compatible Use Buffer Team State $0 $0 TOTAL OTHER FUNDS: $44,800 $ $ Amount Spent Use of Other Funds $40,000 $ Project Fund Match of 50% match from landowner. $4,800 $ Staff time to help with coordination. VII. PROJECT STRATEGY: A. Project Partners: -Crow Wing SWCD - MN Forest Resource Council -Morrison SWCD - MN DNR Forestry -Cass SWCD - Board of Water and Soil Resources -Camp Ripley -Natural Resource Conservation Service -The Nature Conservancy --Mississippi Headwaters Board -Todd SWCD This technical team will assist with parcel prioritization process. The team plans to capitalize on existing partner landowner solicitation networks that will promote this new program, plus offer it as an additional private land owner benefit/opportunity within this targeted project area. B. Project Impact and Long term Strategy: The initial project impact would affect Todd, Morrison, Cass, and Crow Wing Counties within the LSP project area working collaboratively to locally deliver private forest management plans that enable enrollment in NRCS forestry conservation practices, the SFIA program, or conservation easements. This minor watershed parcel prioritization methodology implements local county water plan goals that also roll up as implementation of MPCA Watershed Restoration and Protection Plan goals, for the Crow Wing River section of this project area. This new delivery system will inform and lead strategies, yet to be developed in the BWSR One Water One Plan process soon to come to these major watersheds. Long-term, this ENRTF supported pilot project would lead to a program that builds in other funding sources for sustainability. Those sources would likely include: Outdoor Heritage funds in conjunction with protection focused partners (MHB, Camp Ripley), Clean Water Funds, NRCS 6 Page 6 of 12 6/7/2016 Subd. 08f

7 program, US Forest Service programs and potential federal collaborative funding though the Sentinel Landscapes program. In summary, this pilot project targets not only the water quality and quantity resource values, but also the habitat corridors called out as a priority in the LSP and local county water plans. This project will stack public and private benefits, allow for working lands and sustainable local economy, will be administered and delivered by local government via the SWCD s, and can be ramped up to greater scale for statewide source water protection. The Mississippi Headwaters is the source water for 1.7 million river water dependent citizens today, with a growing demographic of dependence on that resource in the future. C. Funding History: The Crow Wing SWCD will follow the example of the Clean Water Fund, Forest Stewardship Project Tullibee Lake Watershed program. In the last 2 years, the Crow Wing SWCD has funded over 50 plans that have enrolled in either SFIA or 2c. The program has installed 6 forestry BMP s with 4 more in the works for this spring. The Tullibee Lakes Forest Stewardship Project has also assisted in the commitment of several conservation easements that are currently being completed. Funding Source and Use of Funds Funding Timeframe $ Amount 2013 LSOHC Grant Mississippi River and WMA July 1, 2013 June 30, 2016 $1,150, LSOHC Grant For Camp Ripley ACUB July 1, 2012 June 30, 2015 $480, LSOHC Little Nokassipi River WMA July 1, 2011 June 30, 2014 $843,000 VIII. FEE TITLE ACQUISITION/CONSERVATION EASEMENT/RESTORATION REQUIREMENTS: Restoration 1. Provide a statement confirming that all restoration activities completed with these funds will occur on land permanently protected by a conservation easement or public ownership. The Crow Wing SWCD will work with partners to complete restoration actives on Reinvest in Minnesota BWSR held easements or other public lands. Within the Camp Ripley ACUB area there are 30,000 acres of conservation easements and over 52,000 acres of public land. Forest enhancements practices will be completed on all lands that agree to the minimum 10 year operation and maintenance agreement. 2. Summarize the components and expected outcomes of restoration and management plans for the parcels to be restored by your organization, how these plans are kept on file by your organization, and overall strategies for long term plan implementation. In the last 5 years, the Crow Wing SWCD has become a local leader and expert in technical assistance to landowners on restoration and BMPs. Since 2010, the SWCD has completed 200 enhancement projects from native plantings, rain gardens, stormwater, tree planting, and forest improvements. The SWCD has great process for project implementation and long term plan for implementation. This includes: pre-site visits, project plans, good relationship with private contractors, and technical experience with project management skills, landowner databases, and ability to work with landowners to complete the project. For this specific grant, the SWCD will wait for the water quality modeling to start landowner outreach for BMPs and restoration activities. The SWCD will coordinate with partners and ACUB team to identify specific parcels and BMPs. The Crow Wing SWCD will than partner with corresponding county to implement the restoration and BMP activities. 3. Describe how restoration efforts will utilize and follow the Board of Soil and Water Resources Native Vegetation Establishment and Enhancement Guidelines in order to ensure ecological integrity and pollinator enhancement. In addition, the SWCD will require that all trees and plants come from MN DNR approved native plant nurseries. We also require that contractors or landowners follow BWSR Native Vegetation Establishment and Enhancement Guidelines and utilize all native seed mixes. All projects will follow the US Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service Practice Field Guide. 7 Page 7 of 12 6/7/2016 Subd. 08f

8 4. Describe how the long term maintenance and management needs of the parcel being restored with these funds will be met and financed into the future. To guarantee long-term assurance of public benefit, the SWCD will complete inspections on projects and require a maintenance plan. The SWCD will utilize the BWSR State Cost-Share Contract and process for all restoration activities. This includes: 1) All restoration and improvement projects will have an operation and maintenance plan with landowner for the effective life of the project as per the State of MN; Cost Share Program Manual (Part VI). 2) The Cost-Share Contract will be between the SWCD Board and landowner/land occupier. 3) SWCD will provide periodic maintenance inspections on the 1, 3, and 9 year after completion (BWSR Guidance document Operations and Maintenance and Inspection of Practices). 4) Landowner will be required to have a 50 percent match towards the project. As a part of the maintenance agreement the SWCD will perform on-site inspection(s) during the first year to ensure projects are functioning properly. The SWCD staff will also instruct participants on correct maintenance procedures which will include mulching, weeding, sediment removal, checking outflows, invasive species, and replanting plants. After the second year, the project participant will be required to maintain the site annually. Additionally, the SWCD will follow up with participants during years three and nine to ensure projects remain functional and provide technical assistance if needed. All maintenance requirements will be included in the contract and explicitly described to participants. Lastly, the Crow Wing SWCD works directly with the Conservation Corps of Minnesota (CCMI) to help with maintenance on larger projects. In order to finance maintenance into the future the SWCD will: 1) Receive grants from the CCMI to have the crews help with maintenance on SWCD projects. 2) Build 2-3 years maintenance cost into the contract for project with a contractor. 3) Require landowner to maintain the project into the future. 5. Describe how consideration will be given to contracting with Conservation Corps of Minnesota for any restoration activities. The Crow Wing SWCD works closely with the CCMI for project installation and maintenance of restoration projects. We work with landowners to obtain a signed agreement with the CCMI crew to help with restoration activities that will be included in the cost-share agreement for re-imbursement to landowner. The Crow Wing SWCD also works with Apprentice Program and Clean Water Grant funds to hire crews and apprentice to help with maintenance and project inspections. Since 2011, the SWCD has had 5 seasonal CCMI Apprentices, hired over 25 days of Crews, and received over 50 days of Crews in grants. 6. Provide a statement indicating that evaluations will be completed on parcels where activities were implemented both 1) initially after activity completion and 2) three years later as a follow up. Evaluations should analyze improvements to the parcel and whether goals have been met, identify any problems with the implementation, and identify any findings that can be used to improve implementation of future restoration efforts at the site or elsewhere. The SWCD will complete project evaluations on all restoration activities and follow BWSR inspection schedule which requires inspection year 1, 3, and 9. An evaluation report will be filed with the project folder. If project improvements are needed the SWCD will work with the landowner to complete improvements. IX. VISUAL COMPONENT or MAP(S): XI. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS: Periodic work plan status update reports will be submitted no later than January 31, 2017, July 31, 2017, January, 31, 2018, July 31, 2018, and January 31, 2019,. A final report and associated products will be submitted between June 30 and August 15, Page 8 of 12 6/7/2016 Subd. 08f

9 Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund M.L Project Budget Project Title: Forest Management for Mississippi River Drinking Water Protection Legal Citation: M.L. 2016, Chp. 186, Sec. 2, Subd. 08e Project Manager: Melissa Barrick Organization: Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District M.L ENRTF Appropriation: $ 300,000 Project Length and Completion Date: June 30, 2019 Date of Report: May 29, 2016 ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST FUND BUDGET BUDGET ITEM Activity 1 Budget Amount Spent Coordination, project management, analysis, and civic engagement Activity 1 Balance Activity 2 Budget Amount Spent Activity 2 Balance Complete 50 private forest stewardship plans. Activity 3 Budget Amount Spent Implement 25 BMPs on public and permanently protected land Personnel (Wages and Benefits) Personnel District Technician: SWCD (.5 FTE) [Write a min of 25 private forest stewardship plans; assist with installation and inspect erosion restoration, forest restoration, invasive species mitigation practices.] Funding for this position is not provided by county or state funds. Payment for technician to write plans is $200 plus $6.50 an acre (based off DNR payment schedule) $ 5, $ - $ 5, $ 37, $ - $ 37, $ 10, $ - $ 10, $ 52, $ 52, Personnel District Manager: SWCD (.25 FTE) [Coordinate civic $ 30, $ - $ 30, $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 30, $ 30, engagement, complete semi annual reports, landowner solicitation, and project management.] Funding for this position is not provided by county or other state funds. Professional/Technical/Service Contracts $ - $ - $ - Professional/Technical/Service Contracts: MN DNR Certified Forest Stewardship Plan Writers (.36 FTE)(The SWCD will have private landowners choose from a list of certified plan writers. The SWCD will pay plan writes after plan has been approved and registered by the MN DNR. Payments to Forest Stewardship Plan writers will be $200 plus $6.50 an acre (based off DNR payment schedule) $ - $ - $ - $ 37, $ - $ 37, $ - $ - $ - $ 37, $ 37, Professional/Technical/Service Contracts: The SWCD will subcontract with Todd, Morrison, and Cass SWCD's to provide grant funds [Riparian buffer erosion (5 sites), Riparian buffer forest restoration (10 site), projects, and riparian buffer invasive spices mitigation (10 sites)]. (1 FTE) Subcontract amounts will be determined after parcel list is completed. Each SWCD will than subcontract with landowners to complete BMPs. Funds will be paid to landowners after projects are completed follow BWSR State Cost Share Policies. Estimated prices are based off local Natural Resource Conservation Service EQUIP Payment rates. $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 165, $ - $ 165, $ 165, $ 165, Professional/Technical/Service Contracts: The SWCD will have a contract with a engineer water quality firm to be determined to run water quality water model and develop targeted parcel list. (.05 FTE) Since contract is less than $30,000 the SWCD will request bids from three consulting firms. The SWCD Board will approve and select the final bid. $ 15, $ - $ 15, $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 15, $ 15, COLUMN TOTAL $ 50, $ - $ 50, $ 75, $ - $ 75, $ 175, $ - $ 175, $ 300, $ 300, Activity 3 Balance TOTAL BUDGET TOTAL BALANCE Page 9 of 12 6/7/2016 Subd. 08f

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